A Bafta nominated actor accused of terrifying a pub barmaid with a fake gun has been cleared by a jury.

John McEnery was also involved in another gun incident with a drinking friend in a wine bar.

But a jury acquitted him on Friday of two offences of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The pal, Steven Majewski, was also acquitted.

The 75-year-old ex-husband of Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham had gone to court with a packed bag in case of adverse verdicts.

He showed no emotion after the unanimous verdicts were returned by the jury of 10 women and two men, who deliberated for almost four hours.

Maidstone Crown Court heard barmaid Melissa Green screamed for help when she saw Mr McEnery holding the black handgun in the Leading Light in Faversham.

He was said to have pulled out the magazine in it and put it straight back, before cycling off. He was arrested soon afterwards by armed police.

It was later revealed he was involved in another incident at binElla Champagne and Wine Bar in the town.

It happened after Mr McEnery and Mr Majewski, 42, were refused drinks. Told that the bar was closed, Mr McEnery was alleged to have declared: “That’s no way to treat a couple of alcoholics”.

The thespian, whose BAFTA nomination was for his role as Mercutio in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, later told police he had been “scornful” of Ferraris parked outside and the owners drinking Champagne.

Mr McEnery, now of Marine Parade, Sheerness, and Majewski, of Canal Road, Strood, denied the charges.

Prosecutor Mary Jacobson said the wine bar at Standard Quay had closed early at 10pm some time between July 1 and August 8 last year, and owner Janis Osborn was there with her partner Christopher Baldock and employee Miranda Spendiff, who was cashing up.

Mr McEnery and Mr Majewski entered. Both were drunk. Told they would not be served, Mr McEnery made the comment about it being no way to treat alcoholics.

A threat was then allegedly made to shoot them. Mr Majewski was said to have pulled out the gun with Mr McEnery saying: ‘We have got you worried now.’ Mr Majewski added: “Only joking.”

The gun was put away and they left.

Miss Osborn did not report it and it only came to light after the incident at Wetherspoons in Preston Street.

Mr McEnery was said to have been “somewhat interested” in barmaid Miss Green, asking when she was next working.

The self-confessed alcoholic, who was married to Stephanie Beacham between 1973 and 1979 and had two children with her, went in to see Miss Green on August last year.

She told him to leave as he was barred. She refused to give him her phone number. When she saw the gun he was holding she fled screaming for help.

As Mr McEnery passed another bar worker, he told him: “It’s just a water pistol.” He then cycled off.

The police were called and an armed response unit went to a “pirate” ship on the creek, where Mr McEnery and Mr Majewski were staying.

A gun seized was found to be a water pistol which had the appearance of a real firearm.

After his arrest, Mr McEnery said he had gone to the pub to help Miss Green with her career in events organisation.

McEnery claimed he hadn't intended to scare Miss Green on the day of the incident.